Fibromyalgia Questionnaire & Results

Latest Update: 02/13/2012 

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38 QUESTIONNAIRE COMPLETED DATA FORMS FOR May 2010

05/31/2010
First Name: cheri
Age: 58
Male or Female: female
City: central WI
State/Province: wi
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 40 years
Where were you born: northern WI
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: clerical
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I cannot work more than a couple of hours a week and at a time of my choosing depending on how I feel.
How has Fibro affected your life: Divorce. Job Loss. Friend loss. Significant loss of confidence. loss of interest in most things
What were your first symptoms: Horrible midline pain around my hip area and groin. I felt like I was in labor. In fact the first Dr. I went to was my OBGYN
Your age at onset of symptoms: 31 years old
How fast was your rate of decline: Within 3 weeks I was in bed most of the time, until I learned to live with the pain. I walked stooped over because I hurt so much.
What are your current symptoms: Back, neck and leg pain, Irritable bowel Syndrome, Insomnia, Extreme fatigue, brain fog, nervous, depressed.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 28 years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 20 - 23 years
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I got lost coming home from the store the other day. I just kept driving around until something looked familiar. I often say the wrong word, ie. mascara for miracle whip, or doorknob for volkswagon etc. Some days I can't think of m y grandkids names and I can't remember any of their birthdays anymore. I know which month, but not the days. I used to have a mind like a steel trap, now everything is just going by in a blur. I feel like I'm just here for the ride.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: over 100
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: After 26 years, I saw a woman Dr. who actually touched me. I know that sounds wierd, but it's almost as if they (Dr's.) are afraid it's catching, or that you're so nuts, that they don't want to get any closer. She has been a delight, except of course, now after two years, she is at the end of her expertise as well. So??? The problem with treating all your Fibro symptoms is that a Dr. has a tendency to throw every symptom you may have into the Fibro Bucket instead of the possibility it could be something else.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: See above.
Describe your experience with doctors: The first Dr. I saw, back in 1982 had been my OB for many years. When I went to him with my original pain and symptoms, he did an internal OB exam, told me to get dressed and meet him in his office. Expectng some terrible news, I braced myself. He lovingly put his arm around my shoulder, patted my rump and told me to go home and "get some tonight" and I'd feel a lot better in the morning. My experience with Dr's for the next 5 years only went downhill from there, (if there is a downhill after that).
What remedies or medications have you tried: Are you kidding me? Pain pills, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, vitamins, herbs, aspirin, tylenol p roducts, numerous varieties of physical therapy, accupuncture, raki, chiropractic, injections, ultrasound therapy, whirlpool therapy, exercise,
What makes you feel better: Heating pad
What makes you feel worse: Anything for more than 10 minutes, expecially vacuuming, raking, standing at the sink doing dishes, trying to sit on the floor and play with my new grandson.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: not really
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: I take levothyroxin for the last 2 years
Your theories or comments: I think the herpes, chickenpox, shingles, fibro virus are one and the same.I'm wondering if the new shingles injection for senoirs would be any benefit.
Are we missing any important questions: Questions about rashes or painful skin and sleeping problems.

 

05/31/2010
First Name: Jennifer
Age: 37
Male or Female: female
City: wheaton
State/Province: il
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 13 years
Where were you born: mchenry, il
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: design
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: the pain can be very distracting and hard to work around. The brain fog really impacts my ability to concentrate.
How has Fibro affected your life: I am very irritable and it can be hard on my family
What were your first symptoms: fatigue- worse than anything I can even describe. The fatigue was so bad I would feel like I never slept when I did wake up.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 33
How fast was your rate of decline: slow and steady
What are your current symptoms: trigger point pain, fatigue, brain fog, irritable, ovarian cysts
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 4
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 4
Describe the extent of your brain fog: it can be pretty bad. Difficulty remembering simple things during an episode, confusion etc.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: my thyroid was slightly off, so that was the original diagnosis. Once the pain got bad, the diagnosis changed to fibro.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Flexeril, Tylenol PM, prescription Ibuprofen
What makes you feel better: The flexeril definitely helped me sleep better, not so much with the pain though.
What makes you feel worse: stress, weather changes
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: medication that didn't seem to help
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/31/2010
First Name: Lynn
Age: 52
Male or Female: F
City: Eatonton
State/Province: GA
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 52 yrs
Where were you born: Monticello GA
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: y
What is Your Line of Work: early childhood teacher
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: hurt all the time, ill, do not feel like being fun lack of sleep, cannot remember things and names
How has Fibro affected your life: hurt all the time, ill, do not feel like being fun or doing things I like to do- walking, horseback r, yardwork, etc, Cannot play with grandchildren b/c it hurts, lack of sleep, cannot remember things and names
What were your first symptoms: pain on surface area in groin, legs, calves hurt, thighs hurt
Your age at onset of symptoms: 45
How fast was your rate of decline: fast
What are your current symptoms: hurting all over, arms, hands, legs, feet, stiff, skin hurts when bumped softly like bruising, tired all the time, sleepy, foggy - lack of alertness
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: I have a high threshold to pain, and by the time pain became so intense, maybe 5 years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: y
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 2
Describe the extent of your brain fog: out of it, sleepy, cannot concentrate, appear nonsensicle to others
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 2
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no, only the pain
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: neither, one dr says it is arthritis
Describe your experience with doctors:
What remedies or medications have you tried: tylenol
What makes you feel better: cool water, ice packs
What makes you feel worse: stormy, humid weather
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: N
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: n
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: I take synthroid, but not because of fibro
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/30/2010
First Name: april
Age: 44
Male or Female: female
City: mobile
State/Province: al
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 1 year
Where were you born: california
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: sales
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: no desire to promote
How has Fibro affected your life: don't do as much as i want. sometimes i think, oh that would be fun and then i realize that i couldnt do it because of pain and then i realize that, for the most part, i dont even think of doing fun things anymore
What were your first symptoms: after an illness approx didnt get better--pain/fatigue
Your age at onset of symptoms: 28
How fast was your rate of decline: months
What are your current symptoms: all over body pain, fatigue, mental clarity issues, forgetful, overwhelmed
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 15years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: unsure
Describe the extent of your brain fog: lack of concentration is a big one, also remembering things
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4-5
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: 1 did, but the good ones havent
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: usually individually
Describe your experience with doctors: i got my diagnosis, ruled out other things and stopped going to docs for fibro, no need because they just want to give meds. i don't take meds other than motrin as needed, and i try to limit that. docs don't have an answer, so it's up to us as individuals to take responsibility for our health--docs will medicate you and that's pretty much it.
What remedies or medications have you tried: natural--eat healthy, get enough rest, exercise
What makes you feel better: exercise, eating healthy
What makes you feel worse: waking up in the morning until i go to sleep at night, stress, eating a poor diet and not exercising
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride: n/a
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: orthomolecular doc prescribed iodine for benign lumps, i think it got rid of them
Your theories or comments: dont give into it. i know it hurts so much and you are so tired you want to die, but when we give into it, it becomes our complete focus--i'm talking about the physical, not the depression side of fibro, depression side is different. i know others who have fibro, and i know them and what they endure, but they've given into it and are much worse off than me because its become their focus. we have to keep fighting it and looking for answers.
Are we missing any important questions: is fibromyalgia a physical form of depression?

 

05/29/2010
First Name: L
Age: 46
Male or Female: Female
City: Caldwell
State/Province: ID
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 12 years
Where were you born: Garberville, CA
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes but limited
What is Your Line of Work: Own and operate Canyon Rim Boarding. We take care of dogs for people on vacation or other
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Have pain to open doors and gates, can't walk dogs on leashes, Severe muscle pain limiting my mobility.
How has Fibro affected your life: Have to realize limitations, don't get to do many things I used to do.Have to plan naps during daytime. Schedule around my misery when possible
What were your first symptoms:
Your age at onset of symptoms: Maybe long time....since 40 for sure
How fast was your rate of decline: Last 2 years has been misery
What are your current symptoms: Muscle pain mostly
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 3
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 1
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Forget what I'm talking about in middle of conversation. Get confused. Wake up and don't know where I at for a minute. Sleep is so precious
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 2
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes, now
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: My Doctor is very understanding, listens to me, and has helped me through it all.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Fluoxitine, Hydrocodone,Advil, tylenol, Alieve, Tylenol Arthritis,Flexeril,
What makes you feel better: Now trying Lyrica, Fluoxitine,hydrocodone,massage pillows,hot soaks, ice/heat,limiting activity's that flare it, changing diet
What makes you feel worse: Work, physical or emotional stress, cleaning, immobility, not eating/eliminating properly
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: yes
If so, which sources of fluoride: all listed
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: yes
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: Help
Are we missing any important questions: Any info is much appreciated. I have to learn to live with this and get back quality of everyday life. I don't want to travel the world, I just want to be joyful and walk the dogs, sit through a good movie, not play "ghost" at night while everyone is sleeping. I want to sleep deep and restfull.

 

05/28/2010
First Name: Rosemary
Age: 66
Male or Female: female
City: Melbourne
State/Province: Victoria
Country: Australia
How long have you lived there: 37 yrs
Where were you born: South Africa
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: Nursing
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Had to stop work
How has Fibro affected your life: what life??
What were your first symptoms: Chronic Fatigue
Your age at onset of symptoms: 64
How fast was your rate of decline: moderately fast
What are your current symptoms: FOGGY HEAD, rapid weight loss, lack of energy, motivation or interest in anything
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 2 years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: YES
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 1 year
Describe the extent of your brain fog: initially occasional days but last month it is constant
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 6-8
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually
Describe your experience with doctors: not very impressed at all
What remedies or medications have you tried: antidepressants
What makes you feel better: lots of rest
What makes you feel worse: stress
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: yes
If so, which sources of fluoride: prescription drugs, tap water
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: minimal changes
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: i've had tests and brain scan, carotid artery ultra sound, blood tests
Are we missing any important questions: are muscle aches part of the syndrome?

 

05/28/2010
First Name: Georgia
Age: 52
Male or Female: female
City: Lafayette
State/Province: Tennessee
Country: United States
How long have you lived there: 53 years
Where were you born: Nashville,Tennessee
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: Certified Dietary Manager
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: miss work at times,unable to do things i used to do, difficulty walking, standing, sitting
How has Fibro affected your life: Just cannot do things i used to do, gardening, exercise, work,etc
What were your first symptoms: leg and hip pain
Your age at onset of symptoms: 50
How fast was your rate of decline: decline over past 3 years
What are your current symptoms: feet, leg, back and hip pain.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 3 years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 3
Describe the extent of your brain fog: just cannot think, don't want to talk or be around people
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 5
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: was discharged in February
What remedies or medications have you tried: lyrica, savella
What makes you feel better: rest only
What makes you feel worse: being on my feet
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: currently only using pain medicine and sleep medicine. have recently started vitamin b 12 and super b complex and turmuric
Are we missing any important questions: no

 

05/27/2010
First Name: valarie
Age: 38
Male or Female: female
City: blue springs
State/Province: mississippi
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 30+ years
Where were you born: Mississippi
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: legal
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I cannot concentrate and get my work completed every day.
How has Fibro affected your life: I am exhausted all the time.
What were your first symptoms: It happened so gradually, I never really noticed until it was full blown.
Your age at onset of symptoms: unknown
How fast was your rate of decline: Very slow at first, but much faster lately.
What are your current symptoms: Constant pain in my arms, neck, back and extreme fatigue.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: unknown
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: unknown
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I cannot concentrate. My pay is based on billable hours and I can spend the entire day doing something that shouldn't have taken more than an hour or so. Zoned out typing this!
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: none
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: It has only just recently gotten bad enough that I am looking for a doctor to go to .
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively:
Describe your experience with doctors:
What remedies or medications have you tried: sleep, diet, hot baths, pain killers
What makes you feel better: sleep
What makes you feel worse: work
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: I've tried eating healthier (more fruits and veggies) but haven't noticed any changes
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: Not yet. I can't afford the blood test to find out about my thyroid. But my dad has a hypothyroidism
Your theories or comments: I believe a lot of it is due to my natural sleep schedule which is the reverse of most people. Forcing myself to function on the wrong schedule means I don't sleep much. I think if I could function on my own schedule, it would be much better.
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/23/2010
First Name: Maureen
Age: 62
Male or Female: Female
City: NEWTOWN
State/Province: UK
Country: Wales
How long have you lived there: 12
Where were you born: WHITCHURCH SHROPSHIRE
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: NO
What is Your Line of Work: HAD MANY JOBS
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: YES
How has Fibro affected your life: YES
What were your first symptoms: No energy ,shoulder pain
Your age at onset of symptoms: 48
How fast was your rate of decline: over a 3 year period
What are your current symptoms: wide spend pain ,weak muscels always tired,can't sleep,headache
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 12
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: not sure
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Can't expline
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 2
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: Yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: Very good
What remedies or medications have you tried: Prozac,Efexor,Tramadol,Cocodamo
What makes you feel better: They all help in there own way
What makes you feel worse: Doing anything like cleaning
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: Eat quite heathly.
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/23/2010
First Name: Cheryl
Age: 55
Male or Female: Female
City: Coldwater
State/Province: OH
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 55yr
Where were you born: OH
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: last was retail merchandising
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: yes, on SS Disablility
How has Fibro affected your life: unable to work, do less around house, don't go out much innumerable ways
What were your first symptoms: PAIN EVERYWHERE!!
Your age at onset of symptoms: 45
How fast was your rate of decline: slow at first then faster in the past few years
What are your current symptoms: Pain, fatigue headaches, brain fogg
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: about 15
Do your symptoms include brain fog: YES
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 3 OR 4
Describe the extent of your brain fog: sometime a little, but with higher stress and pain much more so
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 7 or8
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no, mostly specific areas
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually,
Describe your experience with doctors: at first I was told it's all in your head....then one dr. said, Fibromyalgai is a lazy doc's diagnosis!!! it finally took getting to a neurologist for my headaches for some one to actually say you have fms!
What remedies or medications have you tried: Lyrica, Elavil, pain meds, pain patches, musclee relaxers, vit. D, calcium
What makes you feel better: depends...no rain/humidity helps, and getting enough rest
What makes you feel worse: stress, long car rides, stress,overactivity
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride: never heard the need to til reading on this site today!
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: NO
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: NO
Your theories or comments: just getting into exploring the natural remedies, looking for anything that works that doesn't sound like a scam
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/23/2010
First Name: jane
Age: 53
Male or Female: female
City: cincinnati
State/Province: ohio
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 53 years
Where were you born: cincinnati
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: product research
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: very tired, achy joints and muscles, Take the elevator instead of walking steps. can't do as much physical work.
How has Fibro affected your life: walk shorter distance with my dog. can't do as much. sleep more
What were your first symptoms: aches in my hips
Your age at onset of symptoms: 50
How fast was your rate of decline: not very fast just steady aches
What are your current symptoms: achy joints and muscles and very tired
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 3
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 2
Describe the extent of your brain fog: not really sure of the extent due to fibro or my age
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually
Describe your experience with doctors: dr do not want to diagnose my issues as fibro. My own research tells me it is fibro.
What remedies or medications have you tried: antidepressants
What makes you feel better: over the counter drung, anti inflamatories, hot showers
What makes you feel worse: sitting too long
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/21/2010
First Name: James
Age: 41
Male or Female: Male
City: La Porte
State/Province: IN
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 10+ yrs
Where were you born: Gary, IN
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: Yes
What is Your Line of Work: Youth Care Specialist at a juvenile detention center.
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Considering it is necessary for me to continually be on my feet and type in notes, it makes work extremely painful.
How has Fibro affected your life: I can no longer do normal household type duties: mowing the lawn, helping out with the animals, laundry,cooking or cleaning.
What were your first symptoms: Extreme fatigue, brain fog, all over muscle and joint pain
Your age at onset of symptoms: unknown
How fast was your rate of decline: Immediate.
What are your current symptoms: Extreme fatigue, short term memory loss, all over muscle and joint pain, loss of sleep, heart palpatations, finger lock, dizzy to the point of passing out and just all around miserable.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: Several.
Do your symptoms include brain fog: Yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 2-4 yrs
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I will sometimes forget what I was doing or was going to do. Often can't remember where I've left things.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: about 6
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: Not always.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Both.
Describe your experience with doctors: At first, I was sent from one doctor to the next due to them not knowing what I had.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Cymbalta, Sevella, Lyrica, Lisinopril, Darvoset, Amlodipine, Amitriptyline and Trazadone.
What makes you feel better: Not sure, nothing seems to work. Any ideas?
What makes you feel worse: Anything cold sets off my Raynauds Syndrome which then sets off my Fibro, working too hard trying to stay active and walking.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: No
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: No
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No
Your theories or comments: I just wish whatever meds I try, could make me feel better.
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/18/2010
First Name: Honey
Age: 39
Male or Female: female
City: Brunswick
State/Province: Maine
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 39 years
Where were you born: Brunswick,Maine
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: interior/exterior painting
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I cannot work,ride my snowmobile, walk very far or lift much My whole life has changed drastically in the past 5 or so years
How has Fibro affected your life: I used to be very energetic(almost hyper) now I cant do any of the things I used to and I am always fatigued and if I do have a little energy I over do so therefore I suffer longer
What were your first symptoms: when I was younger I always was extremely sore if I even stubbed my toe it seemed extreme in 2005 fatigue and depression took over and I thought I was dying of some disease
Your age at onset of symptoms: 33-34 was when I knew something was extremely wrong with me
How fast was your rate of decline: once the symtoms set in I was couch and bed ridden for 2 year straight being thought of as nuts or lazy
What are your current symptoms: I deal pretty well with the pain I think I have accepted it as a way of life but the fatigue and deppression are so severe that I spend most of my time wishing I would die
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 5-7 years that I knew for sure what the cause was
Do your symptoms include brain fog: ALL THE TIME MY SHORTTERM MEMORY IS DEPLETED
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: SINCE DAY ONE IT WAS PART OF MY SIGNS FROM THE BEGINING
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I forget everything if I dont use post-it notes everywher I dont remember anything including what I just said to what I ate for dinner but I can remember kindergarten I literally can feel that my brain has something wrong with it. my first discription to my doctor was that I felt like my brain had broke
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4-5
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: Mostly they want to try meds and tell me what I feel or I dont
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: I have brought my doctor books and info on fibro and he tells me that I am increasing my worring by researching fibro he litreally told me to stop researching and to stop using the computer for info because it just makes me worse!! He is in his 80s and doesnot follow current issues well in my opinin but I love my doctor and he is compasionate and he is the only one that is there for me to cry or whine to.
What remedies or medications have you tried: amnitriptoline,cymbalta,lyrica,vicodin,oxycodone,xanax
What makes you feel better: oxycodone and lyrica for some reason helps me focus and lowers my stress level
What makes you feel worse: when I feel alright and do too much and lack of a normal sleep pattern
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: somewhat it is hard to do it is in everything and I dont have the energy or funds to maintain a strict diet
If so, which sources of fluoride: Tap Water
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: I have tried but always get depressed or in a fog and I give up I fell like I need someone to take my life over for a while and fix it for me
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No
Your theories or comments: I believe firmly that fibro is caused by our enviroment and I am 99% sure that following a strict natural diet is the cure but with so many issues due to neurotransmitters in the brain right down to hypoglycemic symtoms and others that you need to be a clinical dietician to figure a diet out that is specific to each individuals need
Are we missing any important questions: No

 

05/18/2010
First Name: Carol
Age: 49
Male or Female: female
City: clayton
State/Province: nc
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 4 yrs.
Where were you born: cumberlain county
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work:
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: yes
How has Fibro affected your life: i can't do the things i want to do, i get so tired just doing house work, i am in constant pain everyday
What were your first symptoms: pain in my shoulders, neck, hips, exhausted all the time, brain fog
Your age at onset of symptoms: 29 yrs. old
How fast was your rate of decline: i am not sure
What are your current symptoms: pain in all tender spots, exhausted, brain fog at times.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 21 yrs.
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 3 yrs.
Describe the extent of your brain fog: when i get really tired and over worked it can get bad..when i did work, 2yrs ago, i was having to take a college class online and i really noticed it..i ended up quitting that job not long after that
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yeh i guess she does, sometimes i wonder how knowledgeable she is..
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: i saw a specialist in 1990 when i was first diagnost, then i just went to my family dr., recently i have tried to find a dr. but most specialist will not see me for fibro.
What remedies or medications have you tried: wellbutrin, darvocett, flexarill, relaxing, keeping my stress down, chiroprator
What makes you feel better: the chiroprator helped alot, but i couldn't afford to keep going, medicines help
What makes you feel worse: just sitting around, and not getting quality sleep
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no, the dr. said my thyroid was fine, so i haven't thought about it.
Your theories or comments: i am just tired of suffering and the new medicines like cymbalta, and lyric my insurance makes it to high to afford
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/18/2010
First Name: Diane
Age: 34
Male or Female: female
City: canterbury
State/Province: ct
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 10 years
Where were you born: putnam, ct
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: janitor
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: have a hard time bending, sleepy, can't remember things
How has Fibro affected your life: tired,not as fit as i used to be
What were your first symptoms: unbelieveable body pain,fatigue,memory loss
Your age at onset of symptoms: 32
How fast was your rate of decline: 2mos
What are your current symptoms: pain,fatigue
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 2 years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes!
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 2 years
Describe the extent of your brain fog: forget names, wheere I put things (car keys,purse,papers),forget what I say, forget dates
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: they don't all listen, or they think i'm faking
What remedies or medications have you tried: muscle relaxers, antidepressants, exercise
What makes you feel better: antidepressants
What makes you feel worse: muscle relaxers
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: yes
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/17/2010
First Name: A.
Age: 28
Male or Female: Female
City: Pittsburgh
State/Province: PA
Country: US
How long have you lived there: 4 yrs
Where were you born: Cleveland, OH, US
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: graduate student
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: very much; many skipped meetings, very little research done. I work about 8 hours a week.
How has Fibro affected your life: very much; used to be a triathlete, now I can't always walk the dog around the block; gardening hurts days afterward; I avoid late night outings with friends despite my young age; my pain and depression negatively affect my marriage
What were your first symptoms: headaches, menstrual pain, depression
Your age at onset of symptoms: 10
How fast was your rate of decline: slow; diagnosed 18 years later
What are your current symptoms: widespread muscle and joint pain, constant waking during night sleep, trouble falling asleep, extreme fatigue, memory lapse, foggy brain, migraines, tension headaches, extreme menstrual pain
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 18
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 1
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I forget things that are important; meetings, letting the dog in the house. I also faze in and out of conversations or lectures.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: rheumetologist didn't seem to care much; psychiatrist and PCP work together well; immunologist was brilliant and diagnosed several comorbid conditions; physical therapist has provided the most practical help
What remedies or medications have you tried: Cymbalta, Neurontin, Ativan, Lamictal, Advil, heat and ice, physical therapy, cutting back on physical activity
What makes you feel better: ??
What makes you feel worse: too much activity; stress and anxiety, sleep disturbances
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride: tap water
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: I think I have developed symptoms over a LONG period of time (15 years) and they hit critical mass in the past year, at 28.
Are we missing any important questions: previous level of physical activity; previous medications & for which conditions

 

05/17/2010
First Name: Sandi
Age: 57
Male or Female: Female
City: Sun City
State/Province: AZ
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 15 Years
Where were you born: Pennsylvania
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: Yes
What is Your Line of Work: Financial Institution
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: In 2010 I am missing more than ever.
How has Fibro affected your life: I appreciate the 3-4 days a year when I wake up and realize something is different, I am having less pain today. Then I try so hard to remember what I did so I can repeat this day.
What were your first symptoms: Flu back to back 3X in 2003 with in 1.5 months
Your age at onset of symptoms: I believe I had symptoms 15-20 years ago
How fast was your rate of decline: Compared to others, pretty slow.
What are your current symptoms: Pain, especially in my hips/back and joints, body tremors, brain fog, RLS, ringing ears, how many characters will this field take?
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 7
Do your symptoms include brain fog: Yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 5
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I will be sitting at work on the phone with a customer and realize I have completely lost my thought pattern and then trying to recover it is horrible. It is like I never worked the job before.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Individually
Describe your experience with doctors: Not good, I think they take a shot in the dark and hope for the best.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Anti-Inflamitory meds, muscle relaxers, vitamin therapy, many many pain pills, medication for the tremors
What makes you feel better: Pain pills and sleep to escape the reality of this disease
What makes you feel worse: Taking pills that cause me to feel worse than the actual disease.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: No, should I?
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: No
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No, thyroid tests fine.
Your theories or comments: Why am I filling out this form? I guess I feel close to the other people because they are suffering the same as me.
Are we missing any important questions: Yes, what are your short term goals, I believe this is so important because when we loose all hope, what is left?

 

05/17/2010
First Name: Kathy
Age: 42
Male or Female: Female
City: Surrey
State/Province: British Columbia
Country: Canada
How long have you lived there: 20 Years
Where were you born: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: No
What is Your Line of Work: Sales
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Too much pain, too frequent migraines, unable to concentrate or remeber, names, events, dates, to do lists
How has Fibro affected your life: Divorced Twice
What were your first symptoms: Pain, migraines, fatigue
Your age at onset of symptoms: 20
How fast was your rate of decline: Very sudden, never fully recovered from MONO.
What are your current symptoms: fatigue, migraines, pain, rynaud's syndrome, poor concentration and poor memory,
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 23
Do your symptoms include brain fog: Yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 23
Describe the extent of your brain fog: forgetful, hard to stay on task, remember what I had to do next, or what time an appointment is, or what somone's name is.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 8 - 10
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Individually
Describe your experience with doctors: Poor, told it was all in my head, took over 18 years to get the diagnosis
What remedies or medications have you tried: prosac, amytriptaline, gabapentin, pain relievers
What makes you feel better: Oxycontin has helped to decrease the number of migrains by a huge amount, I got at least 3 to 6 per month, and now I get 6 - 8 per year.
What makes you feel worse: food additives such as; MSG, and nitrates, missing sleep, stress, and too much or too little physical activity
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/14/2010
First Name: Sharon
Age: 51
Male or Female: female
City: Racine
State/Province: Wisconsin
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 51 years
Where were you born: Kankakee, Illinois
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: Fast Food Assistant Manager
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Unable to perform my duties in a timely manner.
How has Fibro affected your life: I remain at home with the windows closed most of the time to help keep the atmosphere's pressure unchanging.
What were your first symptoms: Headaches, Pain "all over"
Your age at onset of symptoms: 9,10 years old
How fast was your rate of decline: My First Back Surgury at age 40
What are your current symptoms: Muscle Pain, Stiffness, Insomnia, Depression, ect. see Medical History
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 3 years since diagnosis
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 13 years
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I forget mid sentence what I am saying. At times I forget the spelling of my name and also my address and phone number. It comes back after a few minutes or I look it up and pass it off as I don't often have to contact myself. I forget the names of things although I remember what the item is used for and details of said item.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: One doctor does. My insurance no longer covers her. My primary doctor is clueless to fibro, yet she is a good GP
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Individually
Describe your experience with doctors: I have spent 7 active years looking for relief before finding the right doctor 3 years ago.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Heat Packs, Hot wax treatments for my hands, hot showers, aqua therapy, perscripion medicines
What makes you feel better: Heat, medicines, change positions
What makes you feel worse: cold, air pressure changes
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins:
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments:
Your theories or comments: muscle relaxers in large doses help
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/14/2010
First Name: debra
Age: 49
Male or Female: female
City: brisbane
State/Province: queensland
Country: australia
How long have you lived there: 29 years
Where were you born: melbourne
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: was in a senior position with a bank, had a real estate business
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Im unable to work
How has Fibro affected your life: In every way. I have no life. I cant live in a house because of severe reactions/allergies, cant go near anyone because of deodorants, hair products, what they showered in, very limited in what I can eat, I cant look after myself. The pain is extreme.
What were your first symptoms: pain in neck and shoulders. Chronic tightness
Your age at onset of symptoms: 32
How fast was your rate of decline: just got worse each year
What are your current symptoms: EXTREME PAIN, allergies, EXTREME FATIGUE, IBS, depression, always have a virus, apparently toxic, vision, loud noises, too light, adrenal glands have failed, liver and thyroid sluggish
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 17
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 17
Describe the extent of your brain fog: not as bad as the other symptoms. Sometimes I cant complete a sentence, forgot where I put something. I cant read for long and understand what Im reading but then because of the mcs I cant tolerate the paper so its probably more that
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: more than 100 - also had 3 whiplash car accidents, sent to doctors for that and the fms
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually
Describe your experience with doctors: usually they are rude and disbelieving. Why dont you just go back to work? Thats just crap, you cant have reactions like that, its just not possible
What remedies or medications have you tried: antidepressants, convulsants, histamines, inflammatories, then EVERY alternative available THEN every magic pill advertised on the net THEN every supplement and herb in the health food shop and naturopaths, homeopaths gave me
What makes you feel better: In the early days stretching, yoga, light massage helped. These days those dont MS contin that needs to go up in dosage, doesnt take long to become tolerant to it. Im not sure whether the 1/2 lyrica with it helps it work better. I wish I could say the supplements help but I dont think so Cortisol (I have addisons) helps with the pain Moving, if I can make myself walk and I do I wish I could say distraction. Distraction used to but now with the mcs there is nothing I can distract myself with.
What makes you feel worse: eating foods Im allergic to, at the beach/bay
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: yes
If so, which sources of fluoride: tap water, adding the 1/8th borax to drinking water, was drinking filtered water anyway, cant stand the smell of the chlorine in the water
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: yes
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: yes
Your theories or comments: cruel, crippling illness, this is no life, Im just waiting to die
Are we missing any important questions: about allergies, what are you allergic to?

 

05/14/2010
First Name: Sandy
Age: 37
Male or Female: Female
City: Milpitas
State/Province: CA
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 15
Where were you born: India
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: No
What is Your Line of Work: Software Engineer
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Had to stop working
How has Fibro affected your life: Completely changed my life. It's like my life has just stopped.
What were your first symptoms: Initially I started having frequent urination problems. The doctor suspecting it to be UTI put me on antibiotics even before the test results came out. It turned out that it was not UTI but over active bladder which happens to many women. Within 24 days of taking Cipro, I started developing muscular pain throughout the body.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 34
How fast was your rate of decline: Immediate
What are your current symptoms: 1) Muscle knots and pain mainly while doing any activity and also when sitting or lying down on firm surfaces. 2) Overactive bladder 3) Acid reflux 4) Sinus 5) Severe hair loss
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 3
Do your symptoms include brain fog: no
Number of years since you developed the brain fog:
Describe the extent of your brain fog:
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 9
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: 2 of my doctors focussed on all of the symptoms - they were homeopathic doctors
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: The homeopathic doctors treated my symptoms collectively while other did it seperately.
Describe your experience with doctors: Very few of the doctors really understood me.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Anti-inflammatory medications, Steroids (prednisone), physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, supplements (magnesium, MSM powder), Ayurvedic medicines and homeopathic medicines
What makes you feel better: MSM helps to a small extent. Homeopathic medicines helped me to almost get back to normal. But that didn't last long. I had a relapse.
What makes you feel worse:
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: I don't have thyroid problems.
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/12/2010
First Name: Holly
Age: 21
Male or Female: Female
City: Colchester
State/Province: CT
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 5 months
Where were you born: Hartford
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: Esthetician
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Deffinitely .. some days i cant even get out of bed & my job is often on the line because i am not physically capable of doing even the smallest tasks sometimes.
How has Fibro affected your life: its almost ruined everything. people are not sympathetic because i have a disease that they cannot see. its easy to judge when they cannot feel my pain. i used to be an fun outgoing happy adventerous person but fibromyalsia has completely changed it & limits my activity on a daily basis. it has hurt my career & relationships with people i love. it has also taken a toll on my finances. fibromyalsia has taken an extreme toll on every aspect of my life.
What were your first symptoms: my skin hurt to touch, i was achy constantly, my knees fingers & ankles were swollen all the time, constant chronic pain, chronic fatigue, no motivation or energy, walking for 5 minutes straight would exhaust me.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 20
How fast was your rate of decline: Extremely quick
What are your current symptoms: everyday is different. everyday is a struggle, some better than others. always tired i cant ever get enough sleep.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: less than 1, doctors believe ive had it for longer than my official diagnoiss.
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: atleast 2, cant seem to remember things as much as i could in the past.
Describe the extent of your brain fog: memory loss, hard concentrating, sometimes i have to reread things over and over
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4 specialists, visited emergency rooms many times
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: My rhuematologist does, he's amazing
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: mostly individually
Describe your experience with doctors: my physician & ER doctors totally brushed me off for the longest time when i complained of pain always had an explanation for everything & what they did for me never seemed to help.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Tylenol, Aleve, Motrin, Lyrica, Vicodin, Percocet, Torodol, Accupuncture, Heat Therapy, Massage (sometimes massage hurts too much even with the lightest pressure)
What makes you feel better: Vicodins take away the pain, accupuncture makes my flares less severe but hasnt completely helped. Torodol injections help for a few days. icing certain areas
What makes you feel worse: Massage, heat or ice
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: i just am so frustrated with this whole situation, my inability to control my body is draining along with people not being understanding or judmental thinking i'm "faking" this is heartbreaking. i just dont know where to turn or what to do anymore ...
Are we missing any important questions: not that i can think of

 

05/12/2010
First Name: scott
Age: 37
Male or Female: male
City: Bittern
State/Province: Victoria
Country: Australia
How long have you lived there: 2 years
Where were you born: Hastings, Vic, Australia
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: I was discharged from the military because of my fibro and depression
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I am permanately unable to work again
How has Fibro affected your life: Ruined it
What were your first symptoms: Knee pain that wouldnt go away
Your age at onset of symptoms: 35
How fast was your rate of decline: Very rapid
What are your current symptoms: All over pain that can keep me in bed all day
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 3
Do your symptoms include brain fog: YES
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 2
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Sort term memory loss and stuttering
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 10
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: no
Describe your experience with doctors: most of them dont beleive in fibro at all
What remedies or medications have you tried: too many to list
What makes you feel better: nothing
What makes you feel worse: everything
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: yes
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: I am afraid this will kill me
Are we missing any important questions: you should ask about impact on family and mental health

 

05/11/2010
First Name: Carmen
Age: 31
Male or Female: Female
City: Stevens Point
State/Province: WI
Country: U.S.A.
How long have you lived there: 31 years
Where were you born: Stevens Point, WI
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work:
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: fibro, along with chronic fatigue, insomnia and migraines has kept me from being able to keep a steady job
How has Fibro affected your life: i don't enjoy things as much, can't get out...can't even do the little things like take a shower every day...too exhausting. no sex life, affects relationships and life goals...brings depression with the chronic constant pain and lack of sleep. haven't slept good in 10 years
What were your first symptoms: i used to get constant severe migraines for 5+ years and then as my migraines got better i started with my arms aching a lot. then turned into my whole back, hips, shoulders, arms that left me w/ constant aching and extreme fatigue for 2+ years now
Your age at onset of symptoms: 31
How fast was your rate of decline: gradually over a year it started
What are your current symptoms: extreme fatigue, weakness. no energy or motivation. depression. constant pain aching in muscles..esp back,shoulders, arms, hips. can't sleep well, mild depression, migraines, chemical sensitivity
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 2
Do your symptoms include brain fog: no
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: n/a
Describe the extent of your brain fog: i have a great memory so i don't get the brain fog symptom
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no....just on aches
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually
Describe your experience with doctors: not much help. they send me to different dr. for sleep trouble who doesn't believe in fibro. my regular dr. just wants to treat pain w/ anti-depressant/cymbalta. i am very med sensitive so i feel afraid of side-effects. feel hopeless
What remedies or medications have you tried: vicoden, atarax, flexeril, Vit D, melatonin,
What makes you feel better: nothing!..except if i'd take vicoden all day long
What makes you feel worse: stress, lack of sleep or too much sleep...well...just sleep in general. smoke/chemicals
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: yes
If so, which sources of fluoride: all
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: i buy all organic and fragrance free foods and household products because i have MCS(multiple chemical sensitivity)
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: my years of chronic migraines equaled years of not sleeping equaled fibro?
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/11/2010
First Name: Marcia
Age: 58
Male or Female: FEMALE
City: valparaiso
State/Province: IN
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 6 yrs
Where were you born: 1951
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: hairdresser
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: too much pain and fatigue
How has Fibro affected your life: in every way
What were your first symptoms: wide spread muscle pain
Your age at onset of symptoms: 39-40
How fast was your rate of decline: gradual
What are your current symptoms: learned to cope and manage symptoms
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 18
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes at times
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: cant remember (ha!)
Describe the extent of your brain fog: don't alwyas have it.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 8
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: both. It seems they really don't know what to do.
Describe your experience with doctors: very frustrating and mostly dead end. Even was sent to a psychologist
What remedies or medications have you tried: massage, rolfing, many supplements, heat, hydro therapy, antidepressants, sleep aids, pain medication, accupuncture, dry needleing
What makes you feel better: hot water soak, stretching, massage, vicodin
What makes you feel worse: damp cold, over exercise, staying in one position too long
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: just at the dentist
If so, which sources of fluoride: none
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: yes I don't drink any soda at all and avoid any artificial sweetners
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: trying iodine now. Was on Armour for several years
Your theories or comments: I had a hysterectomy before the first symptoms so I always thought there was a hormonal connection, so I am using bio-identicals now but that seems to be a hard thing to manage. seem to feel better on higher estrogen
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/11/2010
First Name: Diane
Age: 56
Male or Female: female
City: Stroudsburg
State/Province: Pa.
Country: U.S.A.
How long have you lived there: 11years
Where were you born: Hackensack N.J.
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: retail
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: cannot work due to pain
How has Fibro affected your life: I have gained 40 pounds. Am unable to exercise as I used to. The pain comes and goes. It is more intense during certain times. I also have bursitis. I eat very healthy. The worst pain is in between the shoulder blades and sometimes goes throughtout my whole body. Unbearable. Do not want to take pain meds. Have tried omegas, zyflamend, and other natural products, withoiut helping
What were your first symptoms: excruciating pain in my legs
Your age at onset of symptoms: 55
How fast was your rate of decline:
What are your current symptoms: tightening pain in shoulder blades, calf muscles,and legs and sometimes hips
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 1
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 1
Describe the extent of your brain fog: feel depressed because of situation
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: they want me to take vicoden, lyrica and synthetic vitamin d do not want to do this I also have herniated discs in my neck which does not help
What remedies or medications have you tried: Omega 3 zyflamend magnesium blue vervain epsom salt baths
What makes you feel better: epsom salt and resting
What makes you feel worse: lifting
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: I do not use flouride at all
If so, which sources of fluoride: none
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: yes
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: this started 3 years ago with dizziness from herniated discs in neck. I then took a green drink and developed pain in legs from improper elimination. I have gained so much weight. Could also have parasite relation. Have tried detoxing but had to stop from worse pain
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/10/2010
First Name: THERESA
Age: 71
Male or Female: F
City: HUDSON
State/Province: MASS.
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 71YRS.
Where were you born: SALEM,MASS.
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: YES
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: NO
What is Your Line of Work: NURSE
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: YES
How has Fibro affected your life: YES
What were your first symptoms: PAIN &STIFFNESS IN ALL MY JOINTS
Your age at onset of symptoms: 70
How fast was your rate of decline: 10
What are your current symptoms: PAIN IN ALL THE JOINTSESPEICIALLY @ NIGHT/
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 1
Do your symptoms include brain fog: @TIMES
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 6MOS.
Describe the extent of your brain fog: SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: YES
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: INDIV.
Describe your experience with doctors: NOT IN THE BEGINNING/ TOOK SEVERAL TIMES TO BE SEEN BY A mASS.gENERAL hOSPITAL WHO SPECIALIZES IN rHEMETOIID aRTHITIS TO FINNALY MAKE A DIAGNOSIS
What remedies or medications have you tried: HEAT/ICE/FINNALLY MEDS
What makes you feel better: MEDS
What makes you feel worse: ICE/HEAT
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: NO
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: NO
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: NO
Your theories or comments: AM GETTING WORSE INSTED OF BETTER/ SO AM STILL ATVA LOST OF THE REMEDY TO WHAT THIS HAS DONE TO ME/ HOW DO I RECTIFY THE ONSLAUT OF THIS TERRIBLE AFFLICION?
Are we missing any important questions: NO

 

05/10/2010
First Name: Sarah
Age: 33
Male or Female: F
City: Littleton
State/Province: CO
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 30 yrs
Where were you born: St. Paul, MN
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: admin asst/dental asst
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: It is very difficult to work. My ability to focus has decreased, my patience has decreased, and there is not a morning that goes by that I don't consider calling in sick.
How has Fibro affected your life: See above - in addition, I cannot play with my kids, keep a clean house or do many other things I would like to do.
What were your first symptoms: depression and fatigue. Followed years later by widespread pain, numbness in arms, etc.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 20
How fast was your rate of decline: The depression and fatigue lasted for a long time. I would say I was pretty stable, but over the past year things have decreased quickly.
What are your current symptoms: migraines, widespread pain, depression, fatigue, numbness/tingling, irritability, pressure in ears, hair loss, inability to focus
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 13
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 1
Describe the extent of your brain fog: moderate and on/off. I can focus better some times than others.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 2
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually
Describe your experience with doctors: doctors don't like FMS because they can't define it. It's like every system in my body is going haywire, and they don't have a solution for that problem, so they address the effects of the system shutdowns. Doctors are widely undereducated about FMS and the symptoms that come along with it.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Savella,Cymbalta, ambien
What makes you feel better: Savella did for a while - about 3 months. Rest helps, mild stretching helps.
What makes you feel worse: Work. Stress. physical exertion, not eating right, hunger.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/05/2010
First Name: Marleen
Age: 47
Male or Female: F
City: Bundarra
State/Province: NSW
Country: Australia
How long have you lived there: since 1981
Where were you born: the Netherlands
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: grazier - we have 3,000 acres and run beef cattle, my work is very varied--lots of different manual farm duties
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: heaps--very tired all the time, lost a lot of strength, can't concentrate, bad memory, every thing is a big effort to do, can't get motivated--I've always been a hard worker but can not do so much anymore
How has Fibro affected your life: heaps--feel tired, don't feel like doing things eith other family members, don't feel like going anywhere, generally no motivation
What were your first symptoms: extreme tiredness, frequent headaches, aches & pains in all muscles & joints, bowel irragularities, insomnia, very sensitive to loud noises, bright lights & extreme sense of smell
Your age at onset of symptoms: approx 38--40
How fast was your rate of decline: 1st I thought I was just overworking so many yrs slow steady decline but last 6 yrs rapid decline till I got to the stage where I could hardly function
What are your current symptoms: still tiredness and lack of motivation and very bad brain fog especially short term memory
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 6 years bad symptons really believe that I have declined slowly since 1991 when I had osteomyalitis
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 6-10
Describe the extent of your brain fog: short term memory is extremely bad, I can remember things long ago better, my sense of direction has got real bad and have to think real hard how to get to familiar places at times, always forgeting where I put stuff and also a big muddle of words coming out of my mouth at times or fogetting what I was saying
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 7
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No, I have not been diagnosed by a dr, gone to 7 drs and had millions of tests with no diagnosis.... was diagnosed in Nov 2009 by natrapath and yes she focuses on all my symptoms but a few at a time
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Natrapath treated some symptons at a time till I got to a satisfactory condition, now she treats all symptons
Describe your experience with doctors: Hopeless...... went to 5 drs & 2 specialists with no diagnosis
What remedies or medications have you tried: First of all I was given a potent detox...made me ache even worse for a few days, detox was for 1 month. The following month I was given a gastrointestinal cleanser and the following 2 months enzymes, then the following till now Magnesium plus for muscle & nerve function. Glucosamine + msm CoQ10 Grape seed Vit B Fish Oil
What makes you feel better: My natrapaths concoction of treatment
What makes you feel worse: lack of sleep and if i miss my supplements, stress or feeling pressured
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: No
If so, which sources of fluoride: Live on farm so consume tank water ... do not take any perscription drugs ...
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no...... had thyroid tested many times over the last few yrs cause drs thought it to be my problem, but thyroid readings are good, natrapath happy with readings too
Your theories or comments: Don't really now only that I was and still are to some extend sick & tired of being sick & tired...... when asked by my natrapath when I first started getting symptoms I thought real hard and realized that I had never really felt normal after my bout of osteomyalitis in 1991, I had osteomyalitis while pregnant with our last child and had to wait till after the birth to start medication
Are we missing any important questions: ???? sorry can't think of any

 

05/04/2010
First Name: Diane
Age: 61
Male or Female: female
City: white bear lake
State/Province: mn
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 39 years
Where were you born: st paul mn
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: I retired from job when lack of asthma accommodations forced me to retire early.
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I have days when I just can't function. I get up after 8 hours in bed and am not refreshed. I don't have the energy to be productive and everything I do is painfully slow and exhausting. I persist on pushing myself until I cannot continue, in which case I would call in sick.
How has Fibro affected your life: I have many goals in my daily life that have been ingnored due to my inability to function consistently. I ocassionally have a day when I get an enormous amount of energy and accomplish much but the days following this find me exhausted and unproductive until I get my next energy spurt. I have bouts of dizziness and run into many walls, literally
What were your first symptoms: I think I had some form of fibromyalgia as a child. I always had trouble getting up in the morning and used to have trouble breathing when running. Playing games and sports were difficult. I was able to do sprinting in track but can't say I ever had much energy other than that. I would get severe leg cramps after running and sometimes without reason.
Your age at onset of symptoms: I would guess I noticed the symptoms at about 7-8 years of age but figured everyone had this problem and I was just weak or not trying hard enough.
How fast was your rate of decline: I notice a decline in my health as I age. The fastest decline was after a car accident with a neck injury. The chronic pain and vomitting put me over the edge
What are your current symptoms: non refreshing sleep,fatigue and a lack of focus. Pain in the legs, shoulders, neck, wrists and swelling and pain in hands and feet. Puffy eyes along with an elevated ANA. etc. I get large knots in my front thighs, (about 2 inches long and about 3 inches deep) I have difficulty sleeping
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: I believe I've had it since childhood but just noticed it myself at age 7-8. I was always told I was slower than molasses in January....I just couldn't help myself.
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: The brain fog in intermittent and over the past 35-40 years, it has become more pronounced
Describe the extent of your brain fog: If I'm in a mall, I seem to lose my sense of direction, always and my husband constantly guides me in the right direction. It's a surprise to him when I have a good day and know which way to get out of the mall. He has to remember many things I forget.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3 doctors
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: The first doctor wanted to give me heavy duty drugs and try tai-chi but could offer no cause. Many of the drugs he prescribed had too many side effects for me.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: It seems as there is no research or active participation in helping me with my individual symptoms other than taking the standard antidepressants which are not good for me with a seizure disorder
What remedies or medications have you tried: paxil for 1 month until my teeth started knocking together etc. side effects, B12 injections. pain meds like butalbital for migraines which helps me tolerate the pain, flector patches and sleeping pills, lunesta help if I use them a couple times a week
What makes you feel better: stretching, walking, (when my feet aren't too sore) massage, flector patches, ibuprofen (can only take for short time or stomach problem develop..Lunesta helps if I don't take it every night and melatonin also helps on the nights I don't take Lunesta
What makes you feel worse: changes in the weather, too much work using my shoulders or legs like squatting gardening, (which I love to do) Too much heavy lifting. Not enough sleep makes my whole day and the next unproductive.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: yes but just by using some distilled water daily
If so, which sources of fluoride: our tap water has fluoride in it so I try to avoid it and drink distilled while at home.
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: yes, I take fiber when I remember to eliminate toxins in my colon and try to eat some raw fruits and veggies daily. I also try not to get any vaccines with thimerosol as I seem to fare better afterwards.
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: not prescription but am trying sea kelp and iodine drops originating from sea kelp
Your theories or comments: I think someone should analyze the realationship between elevated ANA testing with fibro patients and find the source of the inflammation. I also think fibro patients should be tested for low enzymes. There should be more fibro trials testing food and natural supplements and pretesting for imbalances in hormones and other pain/fatigue contributing agents in the blood like toxins, (eg.murcury)
Are we missing any important questions: Have you ever had an auto accident involving a head/neck injury? Have you ever been told you have an extra bundle of nerves in the base of your skull? I was told this and wondered if the extra nerves could be causing the problems.

 

05/04/2010
First Name: missy
Age: 43
Male or Female: female
City: sonora
State/Province: ky
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 43
Where were you born: kentucky
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: medical billing
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: yes, hard to concentrate on task at hand, and what used to take no time at all now takes days at times
How has Fibro affected your life: I once was very active in everything from softball, yard sales, flea markets, and most loved fishing now those things are almost non existent
What were your first symptoms: pain in my elbows,then added back of my neck, knees, and my chest around my neck
Your age at onset of symptoms: 42
How fast was your rate of decline: 41 perfectly healthy to 42 - 43 barely able to keep working 30 hours.
What are your current symptoms: widespread pain, headaches, tiredness, and sleep problems
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 2
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yest
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 1
Describe the extent of your brain fog: focusing sometimes is impossible
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 1
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: I felt I was losing my mind, kept telling them my body was turning against me.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Lyrca and Cymbalta Neurontin and Pristiq
What makes you feel better: Lyrca and Cymbalta
What makes you feel worse: Stress, high fat foods
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: No
If so, which sources of fluoride: n/a
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins:
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/03/2010
First Name: Alyson
Age: 34
Male or Female: Female
City: Somerset
State/Province: Kentucky
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 34 yrs
Where were you born: Somerset, Ky
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: No
What is Your Line of Work:
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I worked for 13 yrs at a medical billing office but had to quit due to my Fibro smptoms...I am currently trying to get my disability
How has Fibro affected your life: It has almost destroyed my life..I don't have much of a life anymore..A good day consists of taking a shower and doing a load of laundry. Most days I am exhausted and in pain.
What were your first symptoms: The first things I noticed were trouble concentrating and being tender to the touch
Your age at onset of symptoms: 27
How fast was your rate of decline: I gradually got worse
What are your current symptoms: Depression/Anxiety/Fatigue/Pain-Legs,low back,neck and shoulders are the worse/IBS/Vitamin D deficient/Brain Fog/Numbness in my right leg and foot/burning in feet-especially at night/trouble sleeping/Restless Leg Syndrome/heaviness in my legs/I too have those little red dots on my stomach that others have mentioned ??odd!
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 7
Do your symptoms include brain fog: Yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 7
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Some days are worse than others..I liked to read and work crosswords but I can't concentrate well enough anymore..I can watch tv ok but sometimes if it is a movie that you have to keep up with I get lost..I drive my husband nuts asking him questions about the movie...I can no longer do the checkbook..some days I don't even want to talk on the telephone-I just want to close my eyes because it feels like my brain is hurting!
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 6-8
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: Yes-my fibro symptoms are 9 times out of 10 the reason I am there.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: both
Describe your experience with doctors: I have had good experiences for the most part...excluding ER drs..they are worried more about if you are in there b/c you're wanting drugs than if you are a legitimate patient in need of care! I love my PCP..he is the one that diagnosed me and he has tried everything he knows to help me...unfortunately there is not much you can do with fibro.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Lyrica/Neurontin/pain meds-Hydrocodone/Oxycodone/Fentanyl patches/Flexeril/Elavil/Xanax/Klonopin/anti-depressants-too many to list!/heating pad/Biofreeze/counseling/prayer
What makes you feel better: Meds=Lyrica/Hydrocodone/Flexeril/Biofreeze=heating pad/prayer/stretching/swimming
What makes you feel worse: weather/stress/lack of sleep
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: No
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: I try to eat pretty healthy..not for sure what foods consist of neurotoxins
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: I think there are alot of factors that have contributed to me having fibro...hormones/surgery/mono/and also being abused when I was a child
Are we missing any important questions: Did you experience abuse as a child?

 

05/03/2010
First Name: mary
Age: 54
Male or Female: Female
City: warrenton
State/Province: va
Country: United States
How long have you lived there: 2 years
Where were you born: geneva, new york
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: artist/professor
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: memory problems, chronic tiredness, chronic pain and stiffness
How has Fibro affected your life: loss of energy and productivity, chronic pain is a real problem
What were your first symptoms: feet hurt in the morning
Your age at onset of symptoms: 52
How fast was your rate of decline: over two years very bad getting worse
What are your current symptoms: morning stiffness and pain, pain throughout the day.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 2
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 10
Describe the extent of your brain fog: memory loss, sometimes go completely blank...quitenboticable even to others
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 2
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: say at the same time caused by my divorce, depression, seemed to start
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: no treatment
Describe your experience with doctors: brush it off, said I could take a drug
What remedies or medications have you tried: well I am on wellbutrin for bipolar but doesn't effect at all
What makes you feel better: ?
What makes you feel worse: lots of physical labor
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride: use water that I think has floride in it
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: not reallly
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions: no

 

05/03/2010
First Name: A.
Age: 40
Male or Female: Female
City: Circle Pines
State/Province: MN
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 1 yr
Where were you born: Northfield, MN
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: no
If not, why are you returning: I got booted out
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: LPN
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I have no choice - I have 2 children I am raising alone
How has Fibro affected your life: Every aspect - I have nothing left after work - pain is horrid
What were your first symptoms: fatigue/flu like s/s
Your age at onset of symptoms: 15
How fast was your rate of decline: back injury and bed-rest during last pregnancy led to a rapid decline
What are your current symptoms: all of them - pain is unbearable - fatigue and foggy
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 15
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 15
Describe the extent of your brain fog: at times it has been better (when I felt better) - kind of like my brain doesn't register things - I'll stare off at nothing for a few sec.'s
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 6
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no - I'm told to live with it - to exercise. I had one Urgent Care doc tell me she didn't believe in it (only time I ever went to UC for severe pain - and she told me to take a hot shower)
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: ignore them - or offer depression meds
Describe your experience with doctors: never good.
What remedies or medications have you tried: tramodol/vicodin help pain- but I can't get them regularly. Hot showers/heating pads stretching exercise.....
What makes you feel better: heat sometimes
What makes you feel worse: it depends how bad it is
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins:
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: I am on levothyroxine for hypothyroidism
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/03/2010
First Name: susanne
Age: 52
Male or Female: female
City: ann arbor
State/Province: michigan
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 52years
Where were you born:
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning: not returning
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work:
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: i'm in so much overall body pain, burning and stabbing in my legs
How has Fibro affected your life: its kinda in chaos right now
What were your first symptoms: 10years of pain
Your age at onset of symptoms: 26years old
How fast was your rate of decline: fast
What are your current symptoms: pain swelling burning stabbing cutting feeling fibro fog nausea
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 28years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 3 or 4 years
Describe the extent of your brain fog: well i would be grocery shopping and totally forget what i'm buying
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 6 doctors
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually
Describe your experience with doctors: not very good, no trust
What remedies or medications have you tried: lyrica, and since i'm on lithium for manic depression i cant take alot of medicine,
What makes you feel better: water, pretty warm bath, resting
What makes you feel worse: walking sitting too long at the computer, alot of noise
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: not really
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: i'm on levothyroid for my low thyroid
Your theories or comments: I just know there are so many types or degrees of fibro
Are we missing any important questions: exercising, because i can't do it anymore i get fatiqued

 

05/03/2010
First Name: Linda
Age: 45
Male or Female: female
City: Longwood
State/Province: Fl
Country: United States
How long have you lived there: 45 years
Where were you born: New York
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: Automotive Accounting
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: It is a struggle to sit there in pain on a daily basis
How has Fibro affected your life: I have cut out alot of the activities that I used to do. Offshore fishing, walking and biking.
What were your first symptoms: Migrains, aching all over, fatigue, problems sleeping
Your age at onset of symptoms: approx. 40
How fast was your rate of decline: slow up until August 2009
What are your current symptoms: pain, fatigue, migrains, problems sleeping
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 5
Do your symptoms include brain fog: at times
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 6 months
Describe the extent of your brain fog: setting things down and forgetting where I put them, forgetting what I was going to do.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 5
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: unable to come up with a treatment that works
What remedies or medications have you tried: Lyrica, Savella, Cymbalta, Darvoset, Trazadone
What makes you feel better: nothing
What makes you feel worse: over doing it
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride: N/A
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: none
Are we missing any important questions: no

 

05/02/2010
First Name: Don
Age: 54
Male or Female: Male
City: Boise
State/Province: ID
Country: United States
How long have you lived there: one year
Where were you born: ID
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: No
What is Your Line of Work: Auto Mechanic
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Muscle Spasms, Poor Concentration, No Short Term Memory, Chronic Pain and Fatigue
How has Fibro affected your life: Depression, Fatigue
What were your first symptoms: Muscle spasms, Fatigue, Depression
Your age at onset of symptoms: 22
How fast was your rate of decline: Rapid
What are your current symptoms: Muscle Spasms, Poor Concentration, No Short Term Memory, Chronic Pain and Fatigue
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 32
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 20
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Poor Concentration, No Short Term Memory
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 10
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: One Rheumatologist did
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Collectively with Lyrics and Anti-Inflammitory
Describe your experience with doctors: Don't think they really believed me
What remedies or medications have you tried: Lyrics and Anti-Inflammitory
What makes you feel better: Anti Inflammitory
What makes you feel worse: cold, damp, mornings
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: yes
If so, which sources of fluoride: tap water, toothpaste, Diflucan
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: No sugar, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: kelp for a little while, no real difference
Your theories or comments: I still believe this is candida related, tried everything and can not get rid of it, Threelac for over a year, probiotics, digestive enzymes
Are we missing any important questions: Is this viral, Easily transmitted, After an accident, Low immune system,

 

05/02/2010
First Name: Don
Age: 54
Male or Female: Male
City: Boise
State/Province: ID
Country: United States
How long have you lived there: one year
Where were you born: ID
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: No
What is Your Line of Work: Auto Mechanic
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Muscle Spasms, Poor Concentration, No Short Term Memory, Chronic Pain and Fatigue
How has Fibro affected your life: Depression, Fatigue
What were your first symptoms: Muscle spasms, Fatigue, Depression
Your age at onset of symptoms: 22
How fast was your rate of decline: Rapid
What are your current symptoms: Muscle Spasms, Poor Concentration, No Short Term Memory, Chronic Pain and Fatigue
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 32
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 20
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Poor Concentration, No Short Term Memory
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 10
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: One Rheumatologist did
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Collectively with Lyrics and Anti-Inflammitory
Describe your experience with doctors: Don't think they really believed me
What remedies or medications have you tried: Lyrics and Anti-Inflammitory
What makes you feel better: Anti Inflammitory
What makes you feel worse: cold, damp, mornings
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: yes
If so, which sources of fluoride: tap water, toothpaste, Diflucan
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: No sugar, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: kelp for a little while, no real difference
Your theories or comments: I still believe this is candida related, tried everything and can not get rid of it, Threelac for over a year, probiotics, digestive enzymes
Are we missing any important questions: Is this viral, Easily transmitted, After an accident, Low immune system,

 

 

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July 2009 case studies.
June 2009 case studies.
May 2009 case studies.
April 2009 case studies.
March 2009 case studies.
February 2009 case studies.
January 2009 case studies.
December 2008 case studies.
November 2008 case studies.
October 2008 case studies.
September 2008 case studies.
August 2008 case studies.
July 2008 case studies.
June 2008 case studies.
May 2008 case studies.
April 2008 case studies.

 

Archived Case Studies...
March 13 - April 12, 2008
February 21 - March 11, 2008
February 2 - February 20, 2008
January 13 - January 31, 2008
December 14 - January 11, 2008
November 20 - December 13, 2007
November 4 - November 19, 2007
October 21 - November 1, 2007
October 6 - October 20, 2007
September 10 - October 5, 2007
August 26 - September 9, 2007
July 26 - August 25, 2007
July 10 - July 25, 2007
May 21 - July 8, 2007
April 25 - May 21, 2007
April 1 - April 24, 2007
March 19 - March 31, 2007
March 5 - March 19, 2007
February 13 - March 1, 2007
January, 2007 - February 12, 2007
August, 2006 - January, 2007
August 22, 2006
June - August 6, 2006
April - May, 2006
February - March, 2006
November, 2005
September - November 2005

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